Residents, Fellows, and Students Attend State Society’s Advocacy Day
More than 30 residents, fellows, and students attended the Pennsylvania Medical Society's Advocacy Day on April 8, 2008, in Harrisburg.
The group met with several legislators and attended a press
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Medical students from Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, and Jefferson meet with Rep. Josh Shapiro.
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conference supporting
House Bill 1093, which would forgive medical school loans for physicians who practice in Pennsylvania for 10 years.
“Advocacy Day provided a unique opportunity for residents, with or without any experience in advocacy, to learn the legislative process first hand,” said Brad Klein, MD, chair of the State Society’s Resident and Fellow Section.
The group met with state Sens. John Gordner (R-Columbia), Jake Corman (R-Centre), and Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) and state Reps. Mike Gerber (D-Montgomery), Jerry Stern (R-Blair), and Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny).
Kim Kicielinski, chair of the Medical Student Section governing council, was inspired by meeting with Rep. Gerber on the public smoking ban.
“I feel like we have Rep. Gerber on our side and are able to combine with him and help him convince others. I feel that combined with his, our collective voice carries greater weight,” she said.
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Michael Best, a medical student at University of Pittsburgh, and Diana Wallace, MD, a resident at St. Luke's, meet with Rep. Josh Shapiro (center).
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The group also attended a press conference with Rep. Josh Shapiro (D-Montgomery) on HB 1093.
Mike Best, vice chair of the Medical Student Section governing council, spoke at the news conference on behalf of the bill.
“The opportunity to learn not only about current policy issues, but also the method in which legislation is drafted, modified, and adopted, was a real eye-opener,” he said. “Rather than being intimidated by the process, I am now excited to see how physicians and physicians-in-training can become involved and help improve the health of Pennsylvanians.”
Last Updated: 5/7/2008